Immunizations

Document your immunizations

All students entering the IU School of Optometry must meet the immunization requirements of the university and Indiana Code 20-12-71. Students will not be allowed to enroll in classes at the IU School of Optometry until immunization requirements have been fulfilled.

Indiana state law and Indiana University policy require students to document immunizations in English.

Immunization documents

Return at least one of the following documents to the Student Administration Office, OPT 210, prior to the start of your first semester.

IU School of Optometry Immunization Form, complete with signature of your physician or registered nurse

Physician’s statement showing the month, day, and year in which the vaccinations were administered or infection was experienced (generally, physicians do not charge for this service)

Copy of your immunization record from high school or another post secondary institution

Personal record maintained by you or your family showing the month, day, and year during which the vaccines were administered

Documentation will be reviewed for accuracy and completion, and you will be notified if there is a discrepancy. If you have questions about immunization documents, contact the Student Administration Office at 812-855-1917 or iubopt@indiana.edu.

Immunization requirements

Two measles, one mumps, and one rubella (2 MMR vaccines acceptable; first MMR must be given after 1967 and not before first birthday. Students born before January 1, 1957, are exempt from the MMR requirement.)

Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap booster) within past 10 years, tetanus toxoid or Td NOT ACCEPTABLE, must include pertussis (whooping cough).

Annual Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux only) for all students, staff and faculty providing eye care to the public through one of our clinics or external clinical programs. Prior to the start of the first semester at IUSO, within 6 months; must be administered and read in the United States by a registered nurse or physician within 48-72 hours. Need signature of doctor or nurse reading results. Testing is available at the IU Student Health Center. If you have tested positive on a Tuberculin skin test, you must provide documentation that you have completed the treatment program, or have a doctor’s statement and radiology report stating that you are disease free. If you have not received a TB test in the past 12 months, a hold will be placed on your record, preventing you from registering for classes. If you have questions about TB tests, contact Josie Gingrich at jmgingri@indiana.edu.

The student must provide a signature that indicates information regarding the risks associated with meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination have been reviewed.

Hepatitis B immunization series (three vaccinations). Hepatitis B is a viral disease that attacks the liver. There is currently no cure for hepatitis B. Each year an estimated 140,000 Americans become infected with hepatitis B. Also, approximately 1.25 million people in the United States are chronically infected and are considered to be carriers of the virus.

Varicella (Chickenpox) CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults. Children should receive two doses of the vaccine—the first dose at 12 through 15 months old and a second dose at 4 through 6 years old. People 13 years of age and older who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get two doses, at least 28 days apart. If you have immunity because you have had chickenpox, you must provide a physician’s written statement to prove that immunity.

If you are in the Doctor of Optometry program, you may be required to obtain additional immunizations and/or testing as required by individual external clinical sites.

Exceptions for immunizations

Exceptions may be made for meeting state requirements under certain conditions, such as health circumstances which contraindicate immunization, pregnancy, or participation in a current sequence of immunizations. A written statement from a physician is necessary in all health circumstances. If you have questions about exceptions for immunization requirements, contact the Student Administration Office at 812-855-1917 or iubopt@indiana.edu.